The Maine Democratic Party has been fined $424 by the state’s ethics commission for late reporting of spending on behalf of a candidate, marking the third time since September that the party has been penalized.

Sheriff Todd Brackett reports the following:

Feb. 4, Matthew R. Wills, 24, of Fort Worth, Tex. was issued a summons for operating after suspension, on Boothbay Rd., Edgecomb, by Sgt. Jason Nein.

The Maine Warden Service reports a Westport Island man was able to use his cell phone to call for help after falling through thin ice while riding a snowmobile on Feb. 24.

With just enough time for Lincoln County residents to dig out and enjoy some sunshine on Sat., the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch warning of “the potential for more than 6 inches of snow” to accumulate from a weather front due to arrive in the area Sun. afternoon.

News of the state Board of Corrections (BOC) seeking an additional $18 million for the Governor’s biennial budget gives Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett some optimism about jail funds.

“If the unified system is to survive, there needs to be funds set aside for its continuation,” he told the Multi-county Jail Authority meeting at Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset Feb. 11.

Shapers Key Club in Damariscotta is celebrating its second anniversary on Sun., Feb. 15.

Begun in Feb. 2007 by a group of seven area women, Shapers is constantly being upgraded with the help and dedication of all its members.

Alna Fire Dept. is returning to voters March 21 with a $200,000 firehouse addition plan after defeat of last year’s $1 million town center proposal.

Fire Chief Mike Trask presented the potential $375,000 plan to the Board of Selectmen Feb. 4 calling for a 50 by 60 foot addition added onto the north side of the present structure.

Attendees of this winter’s Chocolate Fest get an extra treat again this year, thanks to Stars Fine Jewelers. Stars co-owners Frieda and John Hanlon are giving away free single, round white saltwater cultured pearls to each of the first 200 guests arriving at the event at Skidompha Library on Sat., Feb. 7 from 7-10 p.m.

Maine School Administrative District 40 hired School Union 132 superintendent Francis Boynton as superintendent on Jan. 29. The two-year contract will begin July 1.

Residents joined the Bremen Conservation Commission Wednesday night at the town center for a presentation on how landowners can preserve oceanfront property for commercial fishing use.

ecretary of State Matthew Dunlap certified four citizen petitions Monday that seek to force the Legislature into action or trigger momentous questions on a future statewide ballot.

The verification of the signatures clears the way for four pieces of legislation that would repeal the school district consolidation law, decrease automobile excise taxes, enact a tax relief plan and establish a new medical marijuana law.

There are still mostly unknowns about how much federal stimulus funding is headed Maine’s way and how it will be divided, though understanding about what the money can be spent on is solidifying.

A new enterprise is blooming in Waldoboro. The Secret Garden Bakery has teamed up with Fernald’s 5 & 10 on Friendship Street, offering fresh baked goods, coffee, and sandwiches.

Brenda Taylor and her daughter, Emily Taylor of Warren, opened the doors on Mon., Feb. 16 and are planning to expand into the store’s bottom floor by summer, with the entrance where owner Sumner Richards’ garden is.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Stephen Prior of Bristol are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Tracy Jean Prior to Matthew Craig Garner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Craig Garner of Reidsville, N.C.